Lectures Explanatory of the Diatessaron, or the Life of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Collected From the Four Evangelists [By J.d. Macbride]. - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1824. Excerpt: ... 89. As he was travelling, he was asked if the number of the saved were few; and according to his custom, he availed himself of the question, to introduce a profitable conversation. Without satisfying an idle curiosity as to others, he exhorts them to secure their own entrance into heaven, telling them, that many would seek in vain admission, and that they must («y«s(») make every effort, and force as it were, a passage through the narrow gate. Thus we learn from the highest authority, what yet few seem disposed to attend to, that notwithstanding conviction, temporary earnestness, and partial reformation, many will at last come short of salvation. The causes of failure are as various as the temptations that beset us; but none but procrastination is fatal; for no one will be rejected that applies while opportunity is afforded; or (as it is figuratively expressed,)." till the Master of the house hath arisen, and fastened the entrance." But as the hour of death is unknown to us, and ill adapted for the business of preparing for eternity, we should, instead of abusing mercy, and despising the "long-suffering of God, which leadeth us to repentance," act upon our Lord's advice in another place, " Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh." Je3us was still within Galilee, Herod's jurisdiction, aud was warned by certain of the pharisees to depart, because that prince was desirous of killing him. Their motive does not appear; but their advice was not followed. He told them to inform that crafty prince, who perhaps only wished to frighten him to a distance, that be should proceed in his active course of beneficence for his appointed time; and that when that was finished, he should be put to death, not in hi...